Cost of Living in Wapello County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wapello County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wapello County, Iowa
Wapello rents strain household budgets
Wapello County residents spend 19.0% of household income on rent, nearly a third higher than Iowa's 14.1% state average and significantly above the national benchmark. At $950 monthly, rents here exceed the state median by $138, making housing a heavier financial burden.
Among Iowa's least affordable counties
Wapello ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa counties for rental affordability, with only a handful of counties showing worse rent-to-income ratios. This designation signals that renters here face above-average cost pressure compared to their peers across the state.
Higher rents than surrounding counties
Wapello's $950 monthly rent exceeds neighboring Van Buren by $264 and surpasses Wayne County by $290, making it the region's rental cost leader. Even compared to more affluent Warren County, Wapello's rent-to-income burden (19.0%) is worse, despite lower absolute incomes.
Housing squeezes Wapello budgets tight
Wapello households earning $60,034 annually spend $950 on rent, consuming one-fifth of gross income before taxes and other essentials. Homebuyers fare slightly better at $831 monthly, but the county's overall affordability challenge persists for both renters and owners.
Relocating? Compare Wapello carefully
Wapello's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter housing affordability than most Iowa alternatives—consider nearby Van Buren, Wayne, or Webster counties where your income stretches further. If Wapello's community draws you, budget conservatively and prioritize employment that exceeds the county's $60,000 median income.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wapello County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,401
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wapello County
Median home value is $112,900. Estimated monthly cost: $901 vs. your max of $1,401.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.